Namibia Travel
info
namibia

Select your language

Full 1
Full 1

Photo credits: Etendeka

Full 1
Full 1
Full 1

Photo credits: Cheetah Conservation Fund

previous arrow
next arrow

Namibia's Northern Hiking Tour (Short)

Namibias North - Hiking Safari (Short version)

14 Day self-drive safari into Northern Namibia with a focus on hiking 

Discover the pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife of Namibia on a decelerated safari through the northern parts of the country packed with hikes and excursions through breath-taking surrounds. This active safari with emphasis on the Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park and the Waterberg allows plenty of time to absorb the impressive and diversified Namibian nature. The safari stands in contrast to many other Namibian safaris, who focus more on ticking off as many touristic highlights as possible.

You’ll spent much less time driving than on the usual Namibia tour. The guided and un-guided hiking trails are diverse and can be classified as easy to moderate. You should have a certain level of fitness though especially when travelling during the hot summer months.  

Whether as a lodge tour or as a combination of camping / lodge safari, you will probably not forget this vacation soon.

Duration: 14 Days

But do take care: Once Namibia - Always Namibia!

Safari Overview - "Namibia’s Northern Hiking Tour (Short)"

  • Day 1: Windhoek – Arrival, City Tour through Namibia’s capital
  • Day 2-3: Erongo Mountains – Complete arrival, hiking in the fascinating Erongo Mountains
  • Day 4: Brandberg – Visit the rock painting "White Lady" at Namibia’s highest Mountain range
  • Day 5-6: Twyfelfontein – World Heritage Site with famous rock engravings; On the search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants
  • Day 7-8: Etendeka Walking Trail – Unique guided trail into a remote conservations area, sleeping under open Namibian skies
  • Day 9-11: Etosha National Park – Three days of intense game viewing in Namibia’s famous Etosha National Park.
  • Day 12-13: Waterberg – Visit of the Cheetah Conservation Fund at the foot of the history-charged Waterberg
  • Day 14: Return – Good-bye Namibia!

Costs

From N$ 39.500 
(Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 56.500 
(Lodge)

Rate example per person during the low season. Here you can find the detailed rates.

Rates in detail

Tour overview- "Namibia Northern Hiking Tour 14 Days"

Day 1: Arrival in Namibia ~ 45 km

After your arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport approx. 45 km east of Windhoek, you will be welcomed by the car rental company and taken to Windhoek where you will take over your vehicle with all the necessary instructions and information. Afterwards you will drive to your accommodation where you are able to freshen up and rest. In the afternoon you will be picked up by your guide from Bwana Tucke-Tucke for an interesting Windhoek city tour, during which you will get to know historical buildings and the township of Katutura. In the evening you can go out for a relaxing dinner. We can recommend Joe's Beerhouse, Cape Town Fish Market or The Stellenbosch. 

Services included:

Lodge

  • Pick up at the airport and vehicle introduction.
  • Windhoek city tour
  • Accommodation Haus Sonneneck

Lodge / Camping

  • Pick up at the airport and vehicle introduction.
  • Windhoek city tour
  • Accommodation Haus Sonneneck

Day 2: On the way to the Erongo Mountains ~ 250 km (4h)

After breakfast you can buy some supplies at the supermarket. Heading north you take the B1 to Okahandja. Continue on the B2 via Karibib and Usakos. In Usakos look out for the signboards to Ameib Lodge. In the afternoon you have enough time to explore the famous Bull's Party and Elephant's Head. Giant boulders scattered on vast granite field bathed in the soft afternoon light make provide beautiful photographic motives. Experienced climbers might want to consider a climbing trail up the Elephant's head with some beautiful rock paintings at the beginning of the trail and spectacular views at the end.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 3: Philip's Cave 

After a hearty breakfast you can drive to the marked parking for the cave and take a 40 minute hike through magnificent scenery.  Alternatively you start directly form the campsite / guesthouse, which will take you about 20 minutes one way. Look out for endemic bird species like the Hartlaub Francolin and White-tailed Shrike. Philip's cave is well known for its abundance of ancient rock paintings by the San (Bushmen), the most famous one being the 'White Elephant'.

There are a few shorter trails around the guesthouse that can be done in the afternoon. Alternatively you can go on a scenic sunset drive and enjoy the landscape from the back of an old Unimog or Land Rover (optional).

Services included:

Lodge

Day 4: Brandberg Mountain ~ 140 km (3h)

The journey continues after breakfast. You drive through the dry and dusty landscape of the Damaraland. After around two hours you will reach the little village of Uis where you can have lunch in one of of the restaurant or rest camps in town. After lunch you pass through Uis and turn right onto the C35. Follow this road for 13 km before turning left onto the little gravel road towards the majestic Brandberg. Follow the signs to the Brandberg White Lady Lodge.

The Brandberg Massif not only holds the highest mountain in Namibia (Königsstein 2573m), but is also home to about 50.000 rock paintings. We highly recommend a visit to the famous “White Lady” rock painting. A 40-minute walk with a local guide through the Tsisab Gorge will take you to this beautiful painting. Depending on the weather conditions you can visit the Mountain either in the afternoon or in the cooler hours of the next morning.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 5: Twyfelfontein ~ 120 km (2,5h)

As you continue deeper into the Damaraland, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. You should reach your accommodation around lunch time. In the afternoon you will visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings, the Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes, geological rock formations bearing witness of a time long gone.

Enjoy another breath-taking sunset with a refreshing drink.   

Services included:

Lodge

  • Breakfast, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mowani

Lodge/Camping

Day 6: Twyfelfontein ~ Day Excursions

Today you have an early start into the day as you will spend the larger part of the morning in search of the illusive desert-adapted elephants. The hot part of the day is spent at the lodge or campsite. We recommend a visit to the Damara Living Museum in the afternoon where you will have a unique experience of historic Damara culture.  

Services included:

Lodge

  • Breakfast, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mowani

Day 7: Etendeka Walking Trail ~ 110 km (2h)

After yesterday’s early start you can have a late sleep today and a very relaxed breakfast – after all, you are on holiday! Today’s destination is Palmwag Lodge, which is only about two hours drive from Mowani. You travel along the D2612 until you get to the T-junctionC39. Here you turn left and continue through the beautiful Damaraland landscapes for about 60km before turning onto the C 43 to Palmwag Lodge.

Here a driver collects your luggage, who takes everything to the River Camp of the Etendeka Walking Trail while you meet your guide for the next three days. The first leg of the trail takes about 2-3 hours and takes you through impressive areas from the Palmwag into the Etendeka Concession. Your knowledgeable and experienced guide will introduce you to the flora and fauna of this arid Eden. You’ll arrive at the River Camp in the afternoon.

Dinner at River Camp is prepared over an open fire and enjoyed together. Sitting around the campfire, listening to stories told by the guide, another adventurous day comes to an end.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 8: Etendeka Walking Trail ~ 0 km

Early wake up from your first night under a starry sky filled with sounds and smells of the Namibian wilderness. Enjoy a tasty breakfast and pack your days provisions into the backpacks provided. Embark on the hike to Mountain Camp taking you through pristine landscapes around the Grootberg Mountain.

Walking distance today is between 15 and 20 kilometers. Depending on the fitness level of the group this takes about 6-7 hours.

The rocky plain offers a wonderful view onto the ancient Etendeka-Basalt formations and the flat mountains are home to many desert-adapted animals and plants. Giraffes, mountain zebras, oryx and steenbock are some of the mammals found here. With some luck you can even get to see the famous desert-adapted elephants and endangered black rhino. Your guide can show you countless animal tracks and has detailed knowledge about the history of the region.

The Mountain Camp is reached in the early afternoon in time for a light lunch. During the hottest time of the day it is time for a siesta. Also a time to reminisce about the impressions of the last few days.

The Mountain Camp is situated on top of the Crystal Mountain offering spectacular vistas, exquisite crystals and beautiful rock formations. You will again spend the night on platforms very similar to the ones at River Camp.

In the late afternoon you go on a short sundowner walk around the plateau. Afterwards a simple but delicious, wholesome meal is enjoyed around the camp fire.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 9: Via Grootberg Pass towards Etosha National Park ~ 300 km (4h)

Enjoy a short morning walk to Etendeka Mountain Camp after breakfast. Drive through picturesque landscapes in an open vehicle back to Palmwag Lodge where you pick up your vehicle and continue towards another highlight of your journey – the Etosha National Park.

From Palmwag Lodge you take the C40, which will take you along the breath-taking Grootberg Pass to the small village of Kamanjab. Continue towards Outjo and then northwards towards the wonderful Etosha National Park and your accommodation, the very pleasant Etosha Safari Camp.

Relax at the refreshing swimming pool after a long day of driving and start looking forward to tomorrows excursion into the famous Etosha National Park.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 10: Etosha National Park ~ 150 km (6h)

The morning and afternoons you will spend exploring the park always on the lookout for the wild animals of Namibia. The Etosha National Park hosts more than 110 mammals, some of which are elephants, white and black rhino, lion, leopard, hyena, several smaller predators, giraffe, zebra and uncountable antelopes. Furthermore more than 340 different bird species are found here. During the hot midday you can relax in the rest camp or return to your accommodation.

A stop at the Pan’s edge is as recommendable as exploring the different waterholes in the area. Especially during the dry season, which is from Mai to November/December, large herds of game gather at the waterholes to quench their thirst. In the visitor’s books at the restcamp receptions one can sometimes find hints about interesting sightings of rather rare species like leopards and predator kills.

Depending on the season one should focus on the central parts of the Etosha National Park around Okaukuejo or the eastern area around Namutoni, as the larger herds and with them the predators move between the areas during the course of the year. We will of course take this into consideration, depending during which season you book your safari and will advise accordingly.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 11: Etosha National Park ~ 150 km (6h)

Another whole day for exiting game viewing. You cross the park from the central area to the east. Experience new impressions on the way like a drive around the beautiful Fisher’s Pan.

Enjoy your last day in the Etosha National Park!

Services included:

Lodge

Day 12: Drive to Waterberg ~ 400 km (5h)

After one last early game drive you exit the Etosha National Park. Hint: Before leaving, make a turn at Chudop and Klein Namutoni waterholes. This is often well worth it.

On the way to the Waterberg via Tsumeb and Otavi two small highlights can be visited: the Otjikoto Lake (a collapsed kast cave, into which the German troops dumped a large amount of weapons and ammunition from the Frist World War) and the Hoba Meteorite, the largest meteorite ever found until today.

You reach the Waterberg in the early afternoon. Enough time to go for a walk on one of the marked hiking trails or to book a guided game drive offered by your accommodation.

 

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 13: Cheetah Conservation Fund ~ 300 km (3h)

One of the specialities of Waterberg Guest Farm is a guided excursion to the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The drive takes you through the grounds of the farm where you are introduced to cattle farming in Namibia as well as the challenges life-stock farmers face when it comes to predators, before reaching the Cheetah Conservation Fund. This visit will closely introduce you to these majestic predators, with the opportunity to take amazing pictures. On your return drive you will cross the “Little Serengeti” and enjoy your last magnificent African sunset of this journey. 

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 14: Back to Windhoek – Farewell from Namibia ~ 240 km (2,5h)

Today is the last day of your journey. Depending on your flight schedule you might have time to enjoy a relaxing massage offered by the lodge before saying farewell to the Waterberg and Namibia.

The drive back to the capital takes about 2.5 hours. You drop off your vehicle at the car rental and they will take you to the airport, as arranged at the beginning of your tour

Services included:

Lodge

  • Breakfast, Airport transfer

Lodge/Camping

  • Breakfast, Airport transfer

Good-bye Namibia !

Rates / Info-Namibia price guarantee

As with single bookings, our price guarantee also applies when booking a complete safari, meaning that you pay exactly the same amount as you would when booking the tour yourself (exception goes for campsite bookings).

  • The price indicated is based on bookings for two people.
  • For groups of four the rate will decrease as the rental car costs will be divided by the number of persons. This will be taken into account upon your booking request.

Low season 2024

01.01.2024 - 30.06.2024

From N$ 39.500 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 56.500 (Lodge)

High season 2024

01.07.2024 - 31.12.2024

From N$ 44.500 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 63.500 (Lodge)

The standard rates of the tours are approximate costs to give you an idea of the budget you can work with. The price is subject to availability of the accommodation and the rental vehicle and might change slightly if we have to book alternatives. We prefer working with smaller, more personal accommodation facilities and car rental companies, guaranteeing a consistent quality of service. Thus it is advisable to book at least one year in advance, especially when planning to travel during Namibia's touristic high season. Should we need to book alternative accommodation / rental vehicle we try to stick to this policy.

Tour enquiry "Namibia Northern Hiking Tour (Short)"

1. Personal details

First name *
Name *
Email *
Phone *
Country of origin *

2. Travellers

No. of adults *
Will you travel with children?*
Yes
No
Please indicate number and age of children

3. Travel period

Do you know already when you will arrive in Namibia*
Yes
No
Please indicate period of travel

4. Accommodation

Travel category*
Lodge
Camping / Lodge

5. Your message to us (optional)

I hereby confirm that I have read and understood the Terms and Conditions.

Dream holiday Namibia

Kathrin von Info-Namibia

After receiving your booking request, we will check availability of accommodation, before getting back to you with the exact cost of the tour. For special requests (amendments to the routing / accommodation / time frame.....) please use the field "Your message to us".

Should you prefer a complete individual routing for your self-drive or fly-in safari, please fill out our "dream travel questionnaire".

Dream Travel

Services

Services included:

  • Accommodation, activities and meals as per itinerary
  • 4x4 rental vehicle with the lowest excess
  • Airport transfers
  • 24 hour backup support
  • Detailed tour description with insider hints, telephone list for emergencies, vouchers – all sent in advance by e-mail for you to print and to familiarise yourself with.

Services excluded: 

  • International flight
  • Personal travel insurances
  • Fuel costs
  • Park and entrance fees
  • Activities
  • Tipps
  • Drinks and missing meals in the itinerary

Travel information / FAQs

Namibia is a safe country to travel in and with its good infrastructure it is ideal for self-drive safaris. Especially those, who like to get an individual impression of the country a tour in a rented vehicle is highly recommendable. You’ll have the opportunity to learn a lot about the country and people and also to experience a lot off the beaten track.

Here we answer the most important and most frequently asked questions:

Take it easy

To be able to really enjoy your self-drive safari you should be open-minded, serene and patient to a certain extent – in Africa and thus also in Namibia, the clocks often tick a bit differently.

On the other hand, compared to other African countries, Namibia is in many regards nearly European. Not without reason Namibia is seen as the perfect country for introducing novices to the African continent.

Gravel road

With the material and pre-information provided like route descriptions, distances and approximate travelling times you will be well prepared for your safari. However, one should be an experienced driver and should be in the possession of the licence for more than just a couple of weeks. 4x4 experience is not necessary. The tarred and gravel roads are overall in good condition.

The driving routes and distances have been selected in a way that you can have a rather relaxed experience.  

Check road signs

In Namibia you don’t need to be scared (just respectful) of spiders, snakes and lions, but rather of overestimating your own driving capabilities. Every car rental company will tell you that the average travelling speed on gravel roads should not exceed 80 km/h and 120 km/h on tarred roads. However, on some gravel roads 80 km/h is already too fast. Take your time – you are on vacation! And please take note of the road signs.

On arrival, when taking over your vehicle you will receive an orientation on driving in Namibia and on road safety. It is essential that you follow the instructions given by the car rental company:

Here some safety guidelines for driving in Namibia in advance:

  • Namibia has left-hand traffic – Please stick to it.
  • Please avoid driving at night!
  • Off the accelerator on gravel roads – maximum 80 km/h. Especially on gravel roads: reduce speed before entering a bend! Also when the road visibility is not clear. Abrupt reduction of speed can lead to losing control of the vehicle and in the worst case “rolling” the car.
  • Only over-take when visibility is 100%.
  • Always lock your rental vehicle and don’t leave valuables visible from outside in an unmonitored car.

Many rental vehicles are equipped with tracking devices. Should you have an accident and the evaluated data shows that you were speeding your insurance will be nil and void. 

You need your national driver’s licence in connection with an international licence for driving in Namibia.

Individual accommodation

All accommodations described in the itinerary are known to us and classified as good to excellent (service, cleanliness, location, facilities). Most of them only have a limited number of beds though and when fully booked we have to book alternatives. These changes are subject to availability at the time of booking. When having to book alternative lodges, hotels or B&Bs we always strive to find accommodation of the same quality.

In most of the lodges dinner and breakfast are included in the rates. In towns you have the option to visit restaurants of your choice for dinner, thus only breakfast is included.

The campsites have also been chosen with care. All team members of Info-Namibia are dedicated campers and value good campsites.

In the itinerary of a lodge or lodge/camping safari we have chosen locations where you have access to supplies. Camping vehicles are equipped with a fridge for storing perishables up to five days.

It is always advisable to visit the website of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling abroad.

Please see the "African Risk Map". Copyright © Control Risks 2019

Riskmap - Copyright © Control Risks 2019

In general, this can be said: Namibia is a politically stable country. Compared to other African countries the crime rate is very low, however as a tourist (and as any inhabitant) there are certain ground rules to adhere to:

  • Don’t do anything, you wouldn’t do at home. For example, don’t let any stranger assist you when drawing money at an ATM.
  • In town and especially in outskirts you should not travel on foot carrying valuables.
  • Avoid walking around in darkness. In Swakopmund one can make an exception when walking to or from a restaurant in the evenings, but please inform yourself at the reception of your accommodation.
  • Should you want to use a taxi service, please use official taxis (CityCab, etc.) or make use of Leva (Namibia-Uber).

Souvenirs in a himba village

Changing money: At the airport in Windhoek you can exchange foreign cash at the teller or you can draw money at the ATM. This goes for all bigger towns in Namibia. Best ATM when using foreign cards are Nedbank (green) or Standard Bank (blue). Draw or exchange about N$ 5000 per person at the beginning of your tour and try to pay with credit card during the rest of your travel. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.

Costs for provisions during the safari: As mentioned above, dinner and breakfast are usually included in the lodge tour. Lunch and any missing, additional meals in restaurants can usually be paid with credit card.

On the mixed lodge/camping tour the accommodations and campsites are pre-paid.

Costs for supplies in shops are comparable to Europe or the USA. Eating out in restaurants is normally less expensive than in Europe.

Fuel: A large cost factor are costs for fuel. You can calculate with an average consumption of 10 litres on 100 km. One litre of fuel costs about N$ 12 (dated 07.04.2020). For a 2000 km journey you will need about 200 litres of fuel, which will cost you about N$ 2400.

Souvenirs: You can buy beautiful souvenirs relatively cheap all over the country.  Local producers of jewellery and artefacts benefit from this income.

Gratuities: A 10% gratuity for a good service in restaurants is common in Namibia. For services at fuel stations (re-fuelling, washing the windscreen…) a tip of N$ 5 is a guideline. Many accommodation facilities have a general “tip box”, the content of which gets equally distributed amongst all staff members. Tips are normally given once at the end of the stay and are usually about N$ 50 per person per night. Of course, the amount you want to give as gratuity is at your own discretion.

Visa and entry permit

  • You definitely need a passport which is at least 6 months valid and which has two open pages when entering the country.
  • Most Europeans (as well as US citizens and many others) receive a visa free of charge when entering the country. This visa is valid for the duration of the intended stay (make sure!). The maximum given stay is 90 days.
  • It is your responsibility to inform yourself about the visa regulations that adhere to your nationality before travelling to Namibia.
  • Double check the entry stamp at immigrations on the duration of validity of your visa.
  • Should you be travelling with minor children, please let us know as special documents are needed for that. 

Namibia does not prescribe any vaccination, but check with countries where you might be in transit! Malaria is restricted to certain areas of the country. Depending where you want to travel to, we will advise about malaria. As with the visa regulations please always inform yourself at your own Ministry of Foreign Affairs about regulations

Info-Namibia Cookie